Traverse City Record-Eagle

Outdoors

November 10, 2011

Fishing still good on inland lakes

FROM WIRE REPORTS ----

LANSING — This is the time of year when fishing reports are harder to come by as most anglers turn their attention to deer hunting, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Those heading out for the firearm season are reminded that late fall and early winter offer prime fishing on inland lakes for hungry walleye, pike and bass, the DNR said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report. It says now also is a good time to catch big perch, bluegill and crappie.

Boardman River: Steelhead are on the move and those using spawn, spinners, or flies have caught fish. Those fishing between the mouth and Sabin Dam did catch a few lake trout and brown trout. Try spawn or small spoons.

Betsie River: Is producing some steelhead up near the Homestead Dam. Warmer weather has the fish in the deeper holes but cooler weather and rain puts fish on the gravel.

Manistee: Pier anglers caught fish in the early morning or late evening. Those surfcasting caught steelhead on spawn.

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing continues with some nice fish caught below Tippy Dam. Changes in weather calls for changes in gear, bring a variety of spoons, spinners, and flies.

Au Sable River: Is still giving up salmon although the chinook are starting to turn dark. More steelhead are moving up into the river. Try fresh spawn, flies or yarn.

Higgins Lake: Is producing some perch but the fish are scattered. Try 25 to 40 feet of water around the Sunken Island and off Big Creek.

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